According to Star Motorcycles, The Stratoliner Deluxe features a distinctive, wind shearing fairing that includes a handlebar-mounted audio control system with integrated high fidelity speakers, connectors for an iPod® jack and ultra cool shorty windscreen. To compliment the fairing a pair of large, color-matched, locking hard sidebags with handy one touch openers provide spacious storage for long hauls and short trips.

Combined with the four valve cylinder heads with dual spark plugs, ceramic-composite-lined cylinders and 2 –into-1 exhaust with O2 sensor and three way catalyst to reduce emissions, maximum torque is reached at just 2500 rpm for performance second to none.

Photo Credit: Star Motorcycles

The long and low aluminum frame provides great looks and light handling unlike any other full-size cruiser with very few welds for a smooth, clean look and a near 50/50 weight distribution between both wheels. The light, Controlled-fill swingarm casting compliments the streamline style and reduces unsprung weight to assist in the great handling.

Photo Credit: Star Motorcycles

Additional features such as 46 mm fork tubes with slant cut chrome covers, a tucked out-of-sight single shock with adjustable spring preload, a richly chromed 1.25 inch oversize handlebar and large front discs with monolock brake calipers add to the unmatched functionality of the chassis. A strong and light belt final drive routes power smoothly and efficiently to the rear wheel while the floating floorboards and adjustable heel/toe shifter provide a comfortable, low effort ride.

Photo Credit: Star Motorcycles

The Neo-streamline design gives the Stratoliner Deluxe a completely distinctive look which is accented by a level of fit and finish that is second to none. Details such as the switchgear wiring being routed internal to the handlebar, a flangeless, teardrop fuel tank, 12-spoke wheels, chrome front brake master cylinder with integrated lever, a sculpted seat and special custom machining of the cooling fin edges give a jewel like appearance to the engine as light hits it from different angles.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Buell Motorcycle Company officials have thanked the company's customers, employees and dealers for an unforgettable ride, following the announcement by Harley-Davidson, Inc. that it will discontinue the Buell product line as part of Harley-Davidson's go-forward business strategy. The new long-term strategy aims to drive Company growth through a focus of efforts and resources on the Harley-Davidson brand.

"I want to personally thank all our past and present Buell employees, dealers and suppliers for their efforts. I also want to thank Buell motorcycle owners for their support and passion for the brand," said Buell Motorcycle Company President Jon Flickinger.

Photo Credit: Buell

Flickinger said a limited number of new Buell motorcycles remain available for sale through authorized dealerships and production will wind down by October 30. He also stressed that Harley-Davidson will provide replacement parts and service through dealerships and that warranty coverage will continue as normal for motorcycles.

"I will always be proud of what we have accomplished. It is a testimony to what a small group of passionate and inspired people can do, and with brilliant innovations, we've produced some of the best-handling bikes of all time," said Buell Chairman and Chief Technical Officer Erik Buell. "I personally look forward to exploring how I can continue to work with Harley-Davidson to bring advanced product technology to riders.

Photo Credit: Buell Motorcycles

"I have also had the great fortune to meet and get to know many Buell riders over the years, and they are an amazing and interesting group of free thinkers," Buell said. "May you ride with pride into the future. And may your roads ahead be as adventuresome and rewarding as mine have been for the last 26 years."

The Johnny Pag Pro-Street is the beach-cruiser, full-size, chopper in the JPM line-up. New for 2009, the Pro Street features retro styling with two rally-style paint schemes and color combinations to choose from.

"This is one of the most exciting motorcycles in Honda's history," said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino. "The VFR1200F establishes a whole new definition of performance motorcycling, one that taps into Honda's rich V-4 VFR heritage and extends it into the future of Honda motorcycling."

Photo Credit: Honda

According to Honda, the 2010 VFR1200F embodies the next generation of new motorcycle technology. Just a few of the incredible features and benefits found in the VFR1200F include Honda MotoGP engine technology and architecture; a light and compact 1237cc liquid-cooled 76-degree V-4 that pumps out amazing levels of power; Throttle By Wire for next-generation throttle response; lightweight and compact Unicam valvetrain allows for significantly smaller cylinder heads.

Photo Credit: Honda

Optional Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission with manual mode and automatic mode with two D/S modes and paddle-style shifters; Honda slipper clutch in the manual-shift VFR1200F; GP technology layer-concept aero fairing for unrivaled air management and futuristic style; next-generation shaft drive system with offset pivot point and sliding constant-velocity joint for a new level of shaft-drive performance and control.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

BMW released images of the C1-E, described as what a "environment-friendly and highly practical single track vehicle for city traffic could look like in the future."

According to BMW Motorrad, the C1-E was developed as a study as a contribution to the European safety project eSUM. This study unit is based on the concept of the BMW C1. It is characterized by a very high level of active and passive safety and is driven by an electric motor.

Photo Credit: BMW

Source: BMW
The BMW C1-E provides exemplary protection for its rider. This is ensured by the safety cell with the conspicuous roll-over bar which dynamically spans the rider seat in combination with the energy-absorbing impact element at the nose end. A further special point is that the C1-E rider wears a seat-belt. In the study this safety feature is highlighted by red belts and belt buckles.

Photo Credit: BMW

Visually the concept vehicle expresses brand typical sheer driving pleasure and clearly distinguishes itself from typical scooter looks. Its lines are dynamically stretched and flow horizontally with a low visual centre of gravity. The fairing with its windscreen, the luggage space behind the rider and the side stand for effortless parking ensure high suitability for everyday riding combined with a high degree of wind and weather protection.

Photo Credit: BMW

The electric motor employed in the study has been designed for city use and is based on components by the company Vectrix. The motor obtains its power from a lithium-ion battery and thus possesses sufficient power for mastering most inner-city traffic riding with ease. Alternatively the vehicle could also be equipped with an efficient, low-emissions internal combustion engine.